CHAPTER XIV.SAIL HO!
Although we—and I mean the crew—had no assurance that our fleet would soon engage the enemy, every man appeared to be positive a battle was near at hand.
The unfurling of that blue banner appeared a promise to be fulfilled in the near future, and when the excitement had in a measure died away we began discussing the probable result, no one venturing to suggest that the Britishers might possibly come off best. Victory seemed assured, despite the fact that Commodore Barclay carried thirty-five long guns to our fifteen; we said to ourselves that Perry would soon lay us alongside the enemy, when our smaller pieces must equalize the weight of metal.
Why every man felt confident a battle was very near at hand, I am unable to say.
Beyond the fact that the officers had been discussing the advisability of attacking the enemy in Malden harbor, should he refuse to come out, there was nothingto indicate an immediate meeting with him, yet we spoke among ourselves as if a decisive engagement would positively be fought on the morrow.
Old Silas was the only man among the crew, with the exception of the officers, who had ever smelled burning powder in a fight on shipboard, and this night his opinion was eagerly sought for and implicitly relied upon.
“From what our commodore did at the taking of Fort George, I hold to it we shan’t work at long range many minutes, if it so be the wind serves us properly,” he said to the group of men around him, among which were Alec and I, and my comrade interrupted by saying proudly:—
“You may be certain of that! Oliver isn’t one who will hang off when an enemy is within striking distance!”
The old gunner paid no attention to this remark, but continued, as soon as the lad ceased speaking:—
“Leftenant Forrest told me that our scouts have reported the Britishers’ strength to be much in this ’ere way. The shipDetroit, just off the stocks, so to speak, carryin’ nineteen guns, one in pivot, an’ two howitzers; the shipQueen Charlotte, with seventeen guns an’ a howitzer; the schoonerLady Prevostmountin’ thirteen guns an’ a howitzer; the brigHunterof ten guns; the sloopLittle Belt, carryin’ three guns, an’ the schoonerChippewa, with one gun an’ two swivels. Now as you all know without my tellin’ you, our strength is fifty-two guns an’ two swivels. If Captain Dobbins were here with theOhio, we’d be a little better off; but seein’s he has gone to Presque Isle, it’s a case of gettin’ on without him, which is like to make his heart ache when we sail into the bay with a long string of prizes.”
“My father would not have gone at such a time unless he had been ordered to do so,” I said quickly, thinking for the moment that the gunner would have it understood differently.
“I know that full well, lad. There’s no man in this fleet, or among the Britishers, for that matter, who doesn’t know Daniel Dobbins for a brave sailor, to say nothin’ of his bein’ the best navigator on the lakes. As I said, his heart will ache when he hears that we’ve given the Britishers a lickin’, an’ he wasn’t here to take a hand in the scrimmage.”
“Accordin’ to your own figgerin’, we need a good sailin’ breeze when the Englishmen heave in sight, else we’re likely to be taken at a disadvantage,” one of the sailors suggested.
“Right you are, lad, right you are; an’ yet when they heave in sight there’s like to be a stiffish breeze, elseBarclay would hold snug in port. Of course it’ll be another matter in case we run into Malden after ’em.”
“You’ve counted up only the guns, Silas,” another sailor cried. “What about the men?”
“There’s where we’re a bit weak, I’ll admit; but a Yankee who’s fightin’ within sight of home should be able to count for more than one Britisher. It’s said Barclay has better than five hundred men, all in good condition—one hundred an’ fifty from the royal navy, eighty Canadian sailors, two hundred and forty soldiers, mostly regulars, an’ a sprinklin’ of Indians. Now Leftenant Forrest tells me we’ve four hundred an’ ninety names on the muster-roll; but one hundred an’ sixteen are on the sick-list, an’ nigh to all of that number too weak to lend a hand at anything. Therefore you can set our force down as three hundred an’ seventy-five all told, one quarter bein’ from Rhode Island, a quarter regular seamen, the third quarter green hands, an’ the balance made up of niggers and Injuns.”
“If that figgerin’ be true, an’ I’m not sayin’ it ain’t, the Britishers have about an hundred an’ twenty-five the best of us,” the sailor who had first spoken said gravely.
“That’s the size of it, lad.”
“Then what about its bein’ our trick to fight at close quarters?”
“We’re bound to do it with the idee of evenin’ up the weight of metal. I’m not allowin’ that the difference in men goes for very much, seein’s how us Yankees are bound to do the most fightin’, in consideration of bein’ at home.”
To my mind the old gunner’s argument was not a good one; we knew full well that the Britishers were as brave as we, and a goodly number of them were near to their homes.
It pleased me that our men should be confident of winning a victory, and yet I feared for the result.
By thinking long on this subject I might have grown timorous while all the others were so brave; but I put the matter from my mind by saying that there were no more signs of an immediate battle than at almost any other time since we crossed the bar of Presque Isle bay, and for the moment I was near to wishing that Commodore Barclay might find it possible to give us the slip.
The crew of theLawrencegave little heed to sleeping, on this night; there were a few who turned into their hammocks, but Alec and I were not among the number. It would have been impossible for me to close my eyes while death seemed so near, and he, dear lad, could not rest because of the anxiety in his heart.
We two left the group of sailors who listened eagerly to the wondrous tales with which old Silas was regaling them, and walked well aft where we might see the commodore when he came on deck, for the officers of the brig had gone below immediately after the new banner was displayed.
“If Oliver lives through the morrow, he will have won for himself a name such as few can boast of,” Alec said proudly.
It seemed as if the lad lost sight of himself in the great love he bore this brother who was our commander, and, realizing that a trifling accident might change the fortunes of war, I said, with the idea of lessening his disappointment in case it chanced that the British won the victory:—
“We are the weaker in both guns and men, Alec, and old Silas argues idly when he claims that our people can fight better than the enemy.”
“Commodore Barclay is not as good an officer as Oliver.”
“He has surely had more experience,” I ventured to suggest.
“That does not count against such a man as my brother.”
“I am ready to admit all you claim for our commodore, and make even stronger statements; but yetit is not well to be so positive regarding the result, Alec dear. No man can say what a day may bring forth, and our crews are to be pitted against experienced men-of-war’s-men.”
“Oliver will be the victor!” the lad said emphatically, and in such a tone as told me that any attempt to make him less confident might cause hard feelings between us.
“God grant he be!” I replied, and never did I speak more fervently; the words were, in reality, a prayer. Then, coming back to the thought which had been near to a hope, I added, “We are counting on a battle to-morrow as if there could be no question about it, and yet what grounds have we for believing that the Britishers will venture out of Malden harbor?”
“Oliver says they will,” Alec replied, and as against such profound faith I could say no more.
We paced to and fro until nearly daybreak, and then the commodore came on deck, looking weak and worn from the ravages of the fever; but with a sparkle of the eyes which I could see plainly even in the darkness.
He threw one arm around Alec’s neck, and held out a hand for me to clasp.
“What are you two lads doing on deck at thishour, when you should be in your hammocks gaining rest and strength against the work of this coming day?”
“Then you really believe we shall at last face the Britishers?” Alec asked, caressing his brother’s hand.
“Ay, lad; for if Commodore Barclay refuses to come out, it is decided that we shall go in after him.”
“And am I to serve on Master Boyd’s gun, or will you permit that I stand by your side?”
“Remain at the station to which you have been assigned, dear lad. My choice would be to have you close by me; but every hand is needed, and I am certain you and Richard will count as men during the engagement.”
I tried in vain to make a fitting reply, but the words refused to come when most needed, and it was possible only to press his hand warmly in token of my good intentions; yet at the same time there was a terrible fear in my heart lest at the critical moment I might show myself a coward.
“You can depend upon us both so long as we are alive,” Alec said, in a tone so solemn that it was as if he had a premonition of sudden death.
“That is my true brother!” the commodore said proudly. “I have no question but that you will prove yourself worthy to be called Americans. NowI beg that you seek repose. A brave man cares well for his body, lest it should be weaker than his will.”
“Have you slept?” Alec asked quickly.
“It would be impossible; and, besides, the belief that we shall soon meet the enemy has so refreshed me that I no longer need rest.”
“It would be useless for me to lie down, Oliver. How could I sleep when within a few hours my brother is to show the world that no braver man than he lives?”
“It is not well that praise be bestowed before having been earned, Alec dear,” the commodore said, with a low laugh. “I promise to do my best; and after the victory has been won you shall say what you please.”
Then we three paced to and fro on the quarterdeck, the commodore’s arm yet around his brother’s neck, and I holding him firmly by the hand, for in that hearty clasp I found much to give me courage.
It was in this fashion that the light of a new day found us, and I believe the marines, who paced to and fro guarding the commander’s quarters, shortened their beats, lest by advancing too near they break in upon what was neither more nor less than a season of devotion.
As the light grew stronger, from this vessel and from that came signs of life, until the still air was vibrant with the hum of voices, and it seemed good to be alive.
I had, for the time being, forgotten that the day was come on which our people believed we would be brought yard-arm to yard-arm with the enemy, until startled almost into timorousness by a cry from the lookout:—
“Sail ho! Sail ho!”
It seemed in the highest degree improbable that the anticipations of our people were to be so soon realized, and yet I found myself, with many another, gazing out over the lake in the expectation of seeing our enemy coming toward us.
Nor were we disappointed.
The morning breeze was feeble and gave indications of soon dying away entirely, yet Commodore Barclay had at last left his place of refuge, driven out by lack of provisions, for there on the sparkling waters could be seen the British squadron heading west by south, making for the North Foreland in quest of the supplies which the king’s army were needing.
In a twinkling, as it were, Commodore Perry forgot all else save that the fleet for which he had waited so long was in sight. Wresting himself free fromus two lads, he was on the instant transformed from the loving brother and dear friend into the eager, valiant commander.
Hurriedly, speaking so quickly that one order was almost merged into the other, he gave the word for signals to be hoisted, and within three minutes from the time the lookout reported a sail, our bunting was flying.
“Enemy in sight!”
“Get under way!”
These commands were given by the tiny flags which floated from theLawrence, and in a twinkling every vessel in the fleet was alive with hurrying, eager men, rushing here and there like unto a swarm of bees.
The premonitions of the previous night had not been vain; at last the enemy for which we searched was in full view, and now nothing save rank cowardice could prevent an encounter.
I quaked inwardly, not because a battle was about to be fought, but lest while it was waging I should shame my father by proving myself a coward; and, in fact, I was near to being one at that moment, when it was shown we would have an opportunity of measuring strength with the foe.
Timid though I was, and fearing for myself, I yethad enough of Yankee courage to weigh well the chances for or against us.
The wind was blowing light from the southwest, and on the horizon were low-hanging clouds which gave promise of rain. There was not weight enough in the breeze to admit of our manœuvring freely, and I wondered how it might be possible for the commodore to bring the fleet into close quarters, as old Silas had declared was necessary in order to equalize the weight of metal and force of men.
But even a coward must have been inspired by the scene around him. Here, there, and seemingly everywhere, were Yankee sailors making ready for the fray, and all working with an eagerness which told how fearful they were lest this opportunity, so long sought, should be lost.
The clanking of chains as the anchors were hove apeak; cries of the men as they cheered each other in the work which preceded the carnage; the shrill whistles of the boatswains as they thus repeated the orders given by the officers, and the beat of drums summoning men to the shedding of blood, would have aroused the most timorous, causing even a coward to feel a sense of pride that his countrymen were so willing to try conclusions with a foe that was superior in strength.
Alec and I hastened to our stations, even though knowing that many hours must elapse before the guns could be used, and there we found old Silas, as might confidently have been expected, overlooking all the details lest he should be caught napping.
“Well, lads, the Britishers have shown themselves at last!” he cried, when we came up. “I felt in my bones last night that the time was nigh at hand when we might show the king’s men they had no right on these ’ere waters; but never counted on their comin’ to the scratch so early. We’ve got plenty of time to give them a sound drubbin’, ’twixt now an’ sunset.”
“There’s time enough,” Alec said, speaking carelessly, as if used to such work; “but how are we to get at them? There isn’t weight enough in this wind to move the brig, save at a snail’s pace.”
“I’m allowin’ that the commodore will find a way to give us the chance we want. Look at him now! If yonder fleet gets off without our havin’ a fair show at ’em, it’ll break his heart!”
“All that I agree to; but even my brother can’t command the wind.”
“He can do what will amount to the same thing, lad, and before nightfall you won’t complain because we didn’t burn our powder in proper fashion. Two or three boats’ crews ahead with a tow-line will makethis old hooker walk through the water as if the girls at home had hold of her.”
“Do you fancy the Britishers will stand still while we’re towing our fleet into position?” Alec asked with a laugh.
“Ay, lad; unless they’re willin’ to show the white feather in face of a weaker force. There’s nothin’ save the power of Him who rules all things, that can prevent a battle this day, so set to work an’ get this ’ere piece into proper trim, for once we’re lyin’ yard-arm to yard-arm with Barclay’s flag-ship there won’t be much chance for cleanin’ up.”
I noted with no little surprise that all the men around me were eager for the coming battle. There were no loud boasts, but on every countenance could be read a desire to stand face to face with the enemy, and nowhere did I see any show of fear.
The men did not jest as was their wont; there was no shuffling around lazily, but each was on the alert, eager to do his full duty, and seemingly anxious lest something should be left undone that otherwise might work to give us the victory.
And that we would win the battle I believe every one was confident, although equally positive that much blood must be shed before the end was attained.
The bravest or the most cowardly knew beyond aperadventure that e’er the day was come to an end many of them would be still in death, or suffering from horrible wounds, but yet all wore a smile of content.
It was enough that the British commodore had at last given them the opportunity of proving their metal.
While the bustle of the final preparations could be heard on every hand, the crews were piped to breakfast under orders from our commodore himself, for Oliver Perry was one who looked well after the comfort or well-being of every man in his command, however much he might abuse his own body.
Food would have choked me at that moment when death was so near at hand, staring in the face every individual member of the crew; but Alec made a hearty meal, and, as I now look back on the events of that day, I realize the fact that those who showed the most bravery ate the most heartily.
Old Silas behaved as if appetite increased with each succeeding mouthful, and whenever he took a sip from his hook-pot of tea, it was to drink a health to those who would lead us into the game of death.
“We’re in rare luck!” he cried, when his breakfast was ended because the mess-kid had been emptied. “I ain’t sayin’ but what we deserve it, after chasin’ all over Lake Erie to find the Britishers; but yet at the same time it’s sheer luck to get them where there’s no runnin’away from a fight, an’ they shall have enough of it before this day has come to an end.”
“You may be ended before the day is,” a red-faced sailor cried, as if trying the courage of our gunner.
“An’ supposin’ I am, lad, what better endin’ can an old shell-back like me ask for? So that the stars and stripes float over yonder fleet when the sun sets, it’s enough. As against givin’ England a proper lesson, my life don’t amount to the snap of a finger! It will be a glorious way of gettin’ out of this world.”
While such conversation as this was being carried on, clouds obscured the sun’s face, and the rain drove those of us who disliked a wetting between decks, for until this moment we had been where a view could be had of the enemy.
No one paid any particular attention to what gave promise of being only a shower, save that the wind might come with the water, and thus give the Britishers a chance to continue on toward the North Foreland, where they could fight under cover of their shore-batteries; but it still held reasonably calm.
In less than ten minutes the clouds had dispersed, and the weather-wise among us predicted that a breeze would soon follow.
“We shall get enough to take us out from among these islands, lads, and I venture to say it won’t help JohnnieBull to any great extent!” old Silas cried gleefully. “All we need now is to have plenty of powder an’ ball near at hand, for there’ll be little time to travel from the gun to the magazine after our work is begun.”
The British were indeed waiting patiently for us, or, at least, so it seemed to me, although Alec said, later in the day, they could not have done otherwise without writing themselves down the veriest cowards.
The enemy’s fleet lay just off our anchorage, swinging to and fro as the wind veered, and we could hear the sound of drums and fifes calling the men to quarters.
Our crew gathered on deck again when the heaviest of the shower was over, and all could see Commodore Perry as he paced restlessly to and fro, watching for an opportunity to strike the long-deferred blow.
The breeze which had been predicted sprang up, but not with such strength as filled our sails; and after waiting anxiously fifteen minutes or more in the hope that it might be increased, Lieutenant Forrest gave the command which all hands were expecting:—
“Boats’ crews to their stations! Clear away, and let fall! Work lively, lads, and we’ll see what effect a white-ash breeze will have on the brigs! Move with a will, for the flag-ship must be the first to tackle yonder enemy!”